The process of cleaning carpet to get rid of food stains varies according to each case. Food can be greasy, acidic, syrupy, saucy, oily, and a whole lot of other things that entail specific cleaning techniques. Likewise, there are various types of carpet such as suede, wool, nylon or silk - different materials that will react distinctly for every cleaning solution used. Here, we collected a list of cleaning techniques for different food stains. While this is not a comprehensive list, you'll see that we selected food items from different color spectrums to give you a guide the next time some of your dinner accidentally spills on the floor.
Salad oil - The number one rule for removing oil stains is: Do Not Rub. Instead, blot the affected area firmly, with a lifting motion, until almost dry. Apply rubbing alcohol to a clean, light-colored cloth, and continue to blot until the stain is completely removed. If the stain persists, mild dishwashing detergent, such as Dawn or Joy, is usually recommended for spot treating stubborn oil stains.
Gravy - Warm (not hot) water and detergent solution are the only materials approved for cleaning gravy stains off carpet, whether of synthetic or natural materials. Try the water method first. Soak the affected area with clean, lukewarm water. Blot dry with a sponge or towel. Repeat this several times until gravy stain is cleared. If the stain remains, mix one teaspoon of dish detergent with one cup warm water and apply over the area. Blot out the excess liquid and reapply the detergent solution repeatedly until the stain is thoroughly removed. Rinse with clear water, applied by a wet cloth, and then pat dry.
Red wine -Wine can cause the most stubborn stains due to its acid and tannin content. To avoid permanent staining, immediately soak up the spill with towels or a clean cloth. Apply the dish detergent-water mix as mentioned previously. Continue blotting and reapplying until the liquid absorbed you're your carpet turns clear. When the stain is completely lifted, rinse the area by patting it with a sponge soaked in warm water. Make sure no detergent residue is left. Absorb all excess liquid with an absorbent towel.
Soy sauce - As with all other stains, you'll have more chances of getting rid of soy sauce stains if you quickly remove most of it from the carpet. Absorb as much as you can with a clean towel, refraining from rubbing or making movements that will cause the stain to spread to a larger area or further into the carpet. Mix 1 tablespoon of household ammonia with ½ cup water. Use a spray bottle to apply the solution to the affected area then blot out with a towel. Repeat as necessary until the stain is cleansed away. The detergent solution technique can also be used as an additional step before completely rinsing away with clean water. Another option is to soak the area with 3% hydrogen peroxide for a couple of hours.
Keep in mind that the area should be dried off as quickly as possible to avoid attracting dust and dirt. You can pile up a stack of paper towels on the area, weighed down with a heavy object to absorb as much moisture as possible. After a few hours, remove the paper towels and air dry.
Salad oil - The number one rule for removing oil stains is: Do Not Rub. Instead, blot the affected area firmly, with a lifting motion, until almost dry. Apply rubbing alcohol to a clean, light-colored cloth, and continue to blot until the stain is completely removed. If the stain persists, mild dishwashing detergent, such as Dawn or Joy, is usually recommended for spot treating stubborn oil stains.
Gravy - Warm (not hot) water and detergent solution are the only materials approved for cleaning gravy stains off carpet, whether of synthetic or natural materials. Try the water method first. Soak the affected area with clean, lukewarm water. Blot dry with a sponge or towel. Repeat this several times until gravy stain is cleared. If the stain remains, mix one teaspoon of dish detergent with one cup warm water and apply over the area. Blot out the excess liquid and reapply the detergent solution repeatedly until the stain is thoroughly removed. Rinse with clear water, applied by a wet cloth, and then pat dry.
Red wine -Wine can cause the most stubborn stains due to its acid and tannin content. To avoid permanent staining, immediately soak up the spill with towels or a clean cloth. Apply the dish detergent-water mix as mentioned previously. Continue blotting and reapplying until the liquid absorbed you're your carpet turns clear. When the stain is completely lifted, rinse the area by patting it with a sponge soaked in warm water. Make sure no detergent residue is left. Absorb all excess liquid with an absorbent towel.
Soy sauce - As with all other stains, you'll have more chances of getting rid of soy sauce stains if you quickly remove most of it from the carpet. Absorb as much as you can with a clean towel, refraining from rubbing or making movements that will cause the stain to spread to a larger area or further into the carpet. Mix 1 tablespoon of household ammonia with ½ cup water. Use a spray bottle to apply the solution to the affected area then blot out with a towel. Repeat as necessary until the stain is cleansed away. The detergent solution technique can also be used as an additional step before completely rinsing away with clean water. Another option is to soak the area with 3% hydrogen peroxide for a couple of hours.
Keep in mind that the area should be dried off as quickly as possible to avoid attracting dust and dirt. You can pile up a stack of paper towels on the area, weighed down with a heavy object to absorb as much moisture as possible. After a few hours, remove the paper towels and air dry.
